PHP Development

TL;DR

What it is: PHP development as a side hustle means building web applications, APIs, WordPress sites, e-commerce platforms, and backend systems for clients. PHP powers over 70% of websites globally, and its massive installed base creates steady freelance demand across maintenance, modernization, and new development.

What you'll do:

• Build web applications and APIs using Laravel or Symfony
• Develop WordPress themes, plugins, and custom functionality
• Create and customize e-commerce stores with WooCommerce
• Maintain and modernize legacy PHP codebases
• Integrate third-party services and payment systems

Time to learn: 6-12 months of consistent practice at 10-15 hours/week to reach freelance-ready skill level if starting from scratch. Faster if you already program in another language.

What you need: A computer, a code editor, PHP and a local development environment installed, and internet access. All free to start.

Note: Platforms may charge fees or commissions. We don't track specific rates as they change frequently. Check each platform's current pricing before signing up.

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PHP is one of the most widely deployed server-side programming languages in existence. It powers content management systems, e-commerce platforms, business applications, and the backends of websites ranging from small blogs to some of the largest properties on the internet. That sheer volume of deployed PHP code means there's a consistent, stable market for developers who can build, maintain, and improve PHP applications.

The freelance market for PHP developers is mature. It's not experiencing the explosive growth of newer technologies, but its established base creates a steady stream of work. The biggest opportunity is that much of the PHP codebase running the web needs ongoing maintenance, modernization, and feature development. There's no shortage of work, but there's also significant competition, especially at the entry level.

What This Actually Is

PHP development as a side hustle means writing server-side code to build and maintain web applications for clients. The work falls into several distinct categories, and most freelancers specialize in one or two.

WordPress development is the largest market segment. WordPress powers over 40% of all websites, and it's built on PHP. Work includes building custom themes, developing plugins, customizing existing sites, setting up WooCommerce stores, troubleshooting issues, and adding features. The barrier to entry is lower than custom application development, making it the most accessible starting point.

Laravel application development represents the modern end of PHP work. Laravel is the most popular PHP framework and is used to build SaaS products, admin dashboards, business tools, APIs, and full web applications. This work requires deeper programming knowledge but commands higher rates and typically involves more interesting projects.

E-commerce development centers on platforms like WooCommerce and Magento. Businesses need online stores built, customized, and maintained. This includes payment integration, inventory management, shipping logic, and custom product configurations. E-commerce work tends to be ongoing since stores constantly need updates and new features.

Legacy code maintenance is an underserved but plentiful market. Significant portions of the web still run on older PHP versions with outdated architectures. Companies need developers who can keep these systems running, patch security vulnerabilities, and gradually modernize functionality. It's not glamorous, but it's consistent and well-paid work.

API development involves building backend services that mobile apps, single-page applications, and other systems connect to. You design endpoints, handle authentication, manage data flow, and ensure performance. This is a growing segment as more applications move to separated frontend/backend architectures.

What You'll Actually Do

Day-to-day work depends on your specialization, but common activities span writing and testing code, debugging existing applications, designing database schemas, building and documenting API endpoints, and communicating with clients about requirements and progress.

For a WordPress project, you might start by setting up a local development environment, installing the base theme or building one from scratch, creating custom post types and fields, writing plugin functionality, and testing across different devices. You'll handle updates that break things, plugins that conflict, and clients who want changes that require more work than they realize.

For a Laravel application project, you'll set up the project structure, define routes and controllers, build database models and migrations, implement authentication and authorization, write business logic, create API endpoints, add validation, write tests, and deploy. Projects range from simple CRUD applications to complex multi-tenant systems.

For maintenance work, you'll spend time reading and understanding code you didn't write. Debugging is a core skill here. You'll trace through unfamiliar logic, identify why something broke, fix it without breaking other things, and document what you changed for whoever comes next.

Across all project types, client communication is a significant part of the work. Translating technical concepts into language non-technical clients understand, managing expectations about timelines and scope, and asking the right clarifying questions directly affects project success.

Skills You Need

Core PHP proficiency is the foundation. You need strong understanding of object-oriented programming, error handling, working with arrays and strings, file operations, sessions, and interacting with databases. Modern PHP (version 8+) includes features like named arguments, match expressions, enums, and fiber support that you should know.

At least one framework is essential for competitive freelance work:

• Laravel is the most popular PHP framework. It provides elegant syntax, built-in tools for routing, authentication, queuing, and database management through Eloquent ORM. It's the default choice for most new PHP projects and the strongest framework to learn for freelance work.
• Symfony powers enterprise-grade applications. It's more structured and opinionated than Laravel, with a component-based architecture used by large organizations. Higher learning curve, but it opens doors to enterprise consulting.
• WordPress (as a development platform, not just a CMS) requires understanding the WordPress way of doing things: hooks, filters, the loop, custom post types, the REST API, and plugin architecture. It's its own ecosystem with specific conventions.

Database skills are required for nearly all PHP work. You need to write SQL queries, design schemas, understand indexing and performance, and work with ORMs. MySQL is the most common database paired with PHP. PostgreSQL appears in more modern stacks.

Frontend basics matter even for backend developers. You need enough HTML, CSS, and JavaScript knowledge to integrate your backend work with the frontend. You don't need to be a frontend expert, but understanding how templates render, how AJAX requests work, and how forms submit data is essential.

Git version control is a baseline professional expectation. Clients expect repositories, meaningful commits, and the ability to collaborate through branches and pull requests.

Composer, PHP's package manager, is something you'll use on every project. Understanding dependency management, autoloading, and how to integrate third-party packages is a daily necessity.

For higher-paying work, familiarity with Docker, deployment pipelines, caching with Redis, queue systems, and cloud hosting platforms opens up more complex and better-compensated projects.

Getting Started

Build a portfolio of 3-5 projects that demonstrate practical capabilities. These should solve real problems and show different areas of your skill set:

• A Laravel application with authentication, database integration, and CRUD operations
• A custom WordPress theme or plugin that does something useful
• An API with proper documentation, validation, and error handling
• A project deployed to a live server (not just running on localhost)

Put your code on GitHub with clean documentation. Include clear READMEs that explain what each project does, the technical decisions you made, and how to set it up. Potential clients will look at your code.

Start on freelance platforms with smaller projects. Bug fixes, feature additions, WordPress customizations, and small plugin modifications are accessible entry points. Price these modestly to build reviews and establish credibility.

Pick a lane. "PHP developer" is too generic to stand out. "Laravel developer who builds SaaS backends" or "WordPress developer specializing in WooCommerce customization" gives clients a reason to choose you. You can always expand your specialization later.

Write proposals that address the client's specific problem. Reference their project details, explain your approach briefly, mention relevant portfolio pieces, and demonstrate that you actually read their listing. Generic proposals get ignored.

Set up a proper local development environment early. Having a reliable setup for testing and development saves enormous time. Most developers use Docker-based environments or tools specific to their framework.

Income Reality

Income depends on your specialization, experience, portfolio quality, client relationships, and time commitment. These are market observations, not guarantees.

Developers handling basic PHP work (WordPress customizations, simple bug fixes, small plugin modifications, and basic site maintenance) report earning $500-1,500/month working part-time on freelance platforms.

Intermediate developers building complete Laravel applications, custom WordPress plugins, or WooCommerce stores report $2,000-5,000/month. This level typically requires 6-12 months of active freelancing to reach.

Experienced developers working on complex application architecture, enterprise Symfony projects, or specialized e-commerce systems report $5,000-10,000/month or more. These developers usually have direct client relationships rather than relying primarily on platforms.

Hourly rates in the market range from $20-140/hour depending on experience, specialization, and client type. Basic WordPress maintenance sits at the lower end. Specialized application architecture, API design, and enterprise consulting command the higher rates.

Specialization consistently affects income more than general experience. A developer with deep WordPress plugin development expertise commands higher rates than a generalist PHP developer with more years of experience.

Your actual income varies based on skill, niche, effort, location, and market conditions.

What Different Work Actually Pays

Not all PHP work pays equally. Understanding the market helps you decide where to focus.

WordPress maintenance and small customizations are the most accessible projects. Simple theme tweaks, plugin configurations, and bug fixes typically run $50-300 per task. They're quick to complete and plentiful, but don't generate substantial income individually.

Custom WordPress development pays more. Building custom themes from designs, developing plugins with meaningful functionality, and creating complex WooCommerce setups command higher project rates. Ongoing maintenance contracts with businesses provide recurring income.

Laravel application development is where higher-value steady work lives. Small to medium applications for startups and businesses generate solid project income. Complex applications with multiple integrations, role-based access, and sophisticated business logic command significantly more.

E-commerce development benefits from the direct revenue connection. Clients investing in online stores understand the business value and are often willing to pay reasonable rates. WooCommerce projects are more accessible. Magento work pays a premium due to its complexity and the smaller developer pool.

Legacy modernization is an underappreciated market. Companies running outdated PHP applications need developers who can carefully upgrade systems without breaking functionality. This work requires patience and diagnostic skill, but it's well-compensated because fewer developers want to do it.

API development and system integration commands strong rates as more applications adopt separated architectures. Building reliable, documented APIs that mobile and frontend teams depend on is valuable work.

Geographic location affects rates. Developers in North America and Western Europe tend to command higher rates on global platforms, but strong portfolios and specialization narrow that gap regardless of location.

Where to Find Work

For developers building their portfolio:

• Upwork and Freelancer for general PHP project listings
• Codeable for WordPress-specific work with vetted developers
• GitHub contributions to open-source PHP projects to build visibility
• Local tech meetups, startup communities, and business networking events

For intermediate developers:

• PeoplePerHour for project-based engagements
• LaraJobs for Laravel-specific opportunities
• Direct outreach to agencies that need overflow PHP capacity
• Referrals from previous clients, which become your most reliable source of quality work

For experienced developers:

• Toptal and similar vetted platforms for premium engagements
• Long-term retainer agreements with businesses that depend on PHP systems
• Direct client relationships built through networking and demonstrated expertise
• Consulting engagements where you architect solutions and guide teams

Small businesses and agencies are particularly strong markets. Small businesses need web development but often can't justify full-time hires. Agencies frequently need reliable freelancers to handle overflow work during busy periods. Both become sources of recurring income once you establish trust.

Common Challenges

Competition on freelance platforms is significant. PHP is widely known, and many developers compete for the same listings. Price pressure from lower-cost markets is a reality, especially for basic WordPress work. Standing out requires specialization, portfolio quality, and communication skills beyond just technical ability.

Legacy code is a constant companion. A large percentage of PHP projects involve working with existing codebases rather than building from scratch. You'll encounter code written years ago with outdated practices, minimal documentation, and tangled dependencies. The ability to read, understand, and carefully modify unfamiliar code is essential.

PHP version fragmentation creates friction. A significant portion of production PHP applications still run on end-of-life versions. Migrating from PHP 7 to PHP 8 involves compatibility issues, deprecated functions, and dependencies that may not support newer versions. Clients don't always understand why this migration matters or takes time.

Scope creep affects PHP projects as much as any other development work. "Can you also add this small feature?" accumulates into substantial unpaid work if you don't manage it. Clear project scopes, documented requirements, and willingness to renegotiate when scope changes protect your time.

The PHP reputation issue is real but manageable. Some developers and companies view PHP as outdated despite significant improvements in modern versions. This perception can affect how clients value your work. Focusing on modern PHP practices, frameworks like Laravel, and quality code helps counter this.

Plugin and update conflicts are a WordPress-specific headache. WordPress updates can break plugin functionality, plugins can conflict with each other, and themes can interfere with both. Diagnosing these conflicts requires systematic debugging and patience.

Tips That Actually Help

Specialize rather than generalize. "I build custom WooCommerce stores for small retailers" or "I develop Laravel APIs for SaaS startups" wins more projects than "I know PHP." Clients hire specialists when the budget allows.

Learn modern PHP thoroughly. PHP 8+ introduced significant improvements. Writing modern, type-safe PHP code distinguishes you from developers stuck in older paradigms. Clients notice the difference in code quality and maintainability.

Master your chosen framework deeply rather than knowing multiple frameworks superficially. Deep Laravel knowledge, including queues, events, broadcasting, and package development, is more valuable than surface-level familiarity with five frameworks.

Invest in deployment and DevOps skills. Many PHP developers can write code but struggle with getting it live. Knowing how to configure servers, set up deployment pipelines, manage environments, and troubleshoot production issues makes you significantly more valuable.

Communicate proactively with clients. Send progress updates before they ask. Flag potential issues early. Ask clarifying questions when requirements are ambiguous. Good communication is consistently the biggest factor in client satisfaction and repeat business.

Build reusable starter projects. A Laravel boilerplate with your preferred authentication setup, API structure, and testing configuration saves meaningful time on new projects. Same for WordPress starter themes with your common customizations.

Write tested, documented code from the start. Freelance projects frequently get handed to other developers later. Code that's easy to understand, well-tested, and properly documented generates referrals. Code that's messy generates complaints and refund requests.

Learn to estimate conservatively. PHP projects almost always take longer than the initial estimate, especially when legacy code or third-party integrations are involved. Build buffer into every timeline.

Learning Timeline Reality

This is an estimate, not a guarantee. Your pace depends on prior experience and hours invested.

If you already program in another language, expect 2-4 months at 10-15 hours/week to become productive in PHP and a framework. The core language concepts transfer quickly. Framework conventions, the PHP ecosystem, and deployment patterns take longer to internalize.

If you're starting from scratch with programming, expect 8-14 months at 10-15 hours/week before you're ready for paid client work. The first 2-3 months focus on HTML, CSS, JavaScript basics, and PHP fundamentals. The next 3-4 months on your chosen framework and database skills. The remaining time on building portfolio projects, learning deployment, and getting comfortable with real-world codebases.

If you're going the WordPress route, the timeline is slightly shorter. WordPress's structured approach and extensive documentation mean you can start doing basic customization work sooner. Building custom themes and plugins from scratch still requires solid PHP understanding.

The gap between completing a tutorial and delivering a production-ready application to a client is substantial. Working through complete projects, handling edge cases, writing tests, managing databases, and deploying to live servers is where real competence develops.

Start applying for smaller projects once you have a working portfolio, even if you don't feel completely ready. Real client work teaches things tutorials cannot: scoping projects, managing expectations, debugging under pressure, and working with existing codebases.

Is This For You?

PHP development works well as a side hustle if you enjoy building things that power the web behind the scenes. The work is server-side and largely invisible to end users, but it makes websites, stores, and applications function.

If you're drawn to problem-solving, enjoy understanding how web systems work, and get satisfaction from building reliable backend functionality, PHP aligns well with those tendencies. The language is practical and productive rather than theoretically elegant, and the work reflects that.

The WordPress path offers a gentler on-ramp. If you want to start earning sooner and don't mind working within an established ecosystem with its own conventions and limitations, WordPress development provides accessible entry-level work while you build broader skills.

The Laravel path is more demanding initially but leads to more varied and higher-paying work. If you prefer building applications from the ground up and want more creative technical challenges, framework-based development is the stronger long-term choice.

Be realistic about competition. PHP's accessibility means many developers offer PHP services. Your advantage comes from specialization, reliability, clean code, clear communication, and a portfolio that demonstrates you can solve real problems, not just follow tutorials.

PHP's massive installed base is both the opportunity and the constraint. There will be PHP work available for decades. But the most exciting greenfield projects increasingly choose other languages and frameworks. If working with existing systems, maintaining codebases, and building on established platforms appeals to you, PHP is a solid and sustainable choice.